My 1st 26.2 - the highs lows, and everything in between

I haven't written a blog in a while, and my life has moved on quite a bit since my last entry - I've moved home, finished my PhD (officially a Dr. Price!), I've started a new job and I've run my first marathon, so I thought it was about time I wrote another blog. I've missed writing down my ramblings more than I realised.

So it's been three weeks since I RAN MY FIRST MARATHON(!!!) and I still can't quite believe it. I signed up for the ABP Southampton Marathon on the 15th October after receiving my commiserations email from London. I thought if I was willing to run London - then I should take on the challenge anyway. So, without any idea of where I would be living, if I would have passed and finished my PhD, what job I would have (if any), I had in my head that at least I would know where I would be on the 22nd April 2018 - running my first marathon.

One of the reasons I had decided to take on the challenge of the full marathon was to mark 5 years since loosing my beautiful mum to Mesothelioma in November 2012. When she passed I had just started the final year of my undergraduate and in all honesty I wasn't in a great place for a few years after (but that discussion is for another time), now, looking back, running really helped me find myself again after a couple of years of numbness, and I will be forever grateful for what running has done for me.

After deciding to run in memory of my mum I decided to raise some money for Mesothelioma UK. Whilst I was thinking about fundraising I realised that a lot of the time diseases become alienated by their name. People may not have heard of a disease, and it almost immediately becomes impersonal. I think frequently we forget that behind every disease and illness, there are people. People that should be remembered. Not remembered as being defined by their disease but remembered for the incredible fight the disease put them through and their courage and determination to keep going.

For one, my mum was given 2 weeks when she was finally diagnosed and fought for 5 months. The will and determination for life that she expressed, even in her last weeks, was something I could never imagine. 

I decided I wanted to start a campaign - the people of mesothelioma - to honour and remember all of the past and present mesothelioma warriors. The idea was that I would carry all of their names on my running kit while I ran Southampton Marathon.

I didn't expect much of a response but was over whelmed by the response the campaign received. I carried 32 names of past and present fighters over the finish line. A moment I will never forget.

In the lead up to the marathon, in all honesty I was just terrified. Terrified I couldn't do it. Thinking I was stupid for even trying. Scared of failing, scared of the heat expected on the day having trained in winter, scared of not fuelling properly, scared of the crowds, scared of the hills and if I'm honest, scared of pooping myself (not the most graceful first marathon appearance). The one thing that got me to that start line was the support from all of the people that put names of warriors forward. I can't thank them enough for the support they gave me. 

The night before the marathon I sat in a hotel room with one of my biggest supporters (my sister), and looked through photos that people were tweeting me of the people I would be carrying the next morning. I couldn't help but well up, how much this all meant to me was hitting me right in the chest in a way I could never have imagined. 

The morning of the marathon I woke up, feeling incredibly tense and terrified but I put my Mesothelioma UK vest on covered in the names of #thepeopleofmesothelioma and was taken over by an intense feeling of determination. There was no way I wasn't finishing. 

With fear in my stride I walked to the race village in silence with my sister and partner along side me chatting. I couldn't deal with that now. My way to deal with anxiety is to become silent and as still as possible (minus the shaking ;)). As I was about to go into the baggage tent to drop my change of clothes off, a woman approached me and asked if I was Eugenia - I had her dads name on my top. She thanked me, along with the people that were with her. I couldn't speak. I can't at the best of times due to my social anxiety, but this was even more intense, I said thank you for coming up to me and held in the tears. As soon as she left I just looked at my sister, and we both cried - I needed this. After seeing the family of people I was running for, I was more determined than ever. I dropped off my bag, went for one last loo stop and went to the start line.

The wait for the gun to go off felt like a lifetime, I was surrounded by people, and they were all getting closer and closer, squishing me. I tried to just keep my breathing calm and kept looking at my hands where I had written 'you've got this' and 'yes you can' - something to remind me that I was capable when my mind started faltering.

6 minutes or so after the first wave of runners I finally crossed the start line and I was off! Around 1/2 a mile in to the run I saw a running friend, Jonathan. We've been friends on social media for a while but never met in person. I saw him and my nerves almost got the better of me, but I shouted 'Jonathan!' and I'm so glad I did. We had a friendly chat (and of course a sneaky selfie c.o. Jonathan) and this gave me a boost of positivity I carried with me throughout the run.

Southampton marathon route. Find it on strava here.

Southampton marathon elevation profile. Find it on strava here

The route was fantastic - although a two lap course I have to say this is one of my favourite races so far, and despite all the horrors I heard about the Itchen bridge prior to the race, it really wasn't that bad (until you're going up it for the fourth time XD!). 

The course takes you through the town, over the Itchen Bridge, around the seafront, through a bit of housing, through the stadium, past the harbour and through parks. The course features really diverse scenery - just what you want to distract yourself. 

The run was going surprisingly well until the second loop, just after the half way point. At the start of the loop I started laughing hysterically at a woman next to me asking 'are you regretting doing the full now too?!' having already endured the heat and hills for 2 hours. 

At this point I saw my supporters for the second time and they ran a little bit with me cheering me on like I was Mo Farah. At first I thought all was going well - over 13 miles in and I was still doing OK. This lasted until I went up over the Itchen Bridge for the 4th time.

I had to walk. Something I never did in training and didn't intend to do on the day. But it was the only thing keeping me going. I was pooring water over myself at every station, soaking myself, but I was still way too hot. As soon as I was a hundred meters away from the water station I was roasting again. 

I had to keep going so I convinced myself that if I ran for another 10 minutes I could walk for 30 seconds. This went on from miles 19 miles to 23.5.. playing a to and fro mental game with myself to keep going. Around 19.5 miles I started crying, I couldn't contain it, I don't know why. I was hot, I was tired, but I was OK,  I just couldn't stop the tears. I managed to keep it in for a while and then I saw my sister and boyfriend again at around 20 miles. This would be the last time I saw them until the finish, and unlike the first time I saw them at the same place (at 6 miles) where I flung my arms up in a peace signs, I couldn't even properly look at them. I tried to smile but instead floods of tears came out. What I was managing to keep in was suddenly an open dam. The thought that I had over an hour left to run was tearing down my defences. I ran on with huge shouts of 'DO IT FOR THE PEOPLE OF MESOTHELIOMA' behind me egging me on for the final 10km as I wiped the tears from my face. 

When I got the 38km mile mark I knew I could do it. I had 4km to go and the managing director of the company I work for was waiting with her family at 25 miles to support me. Knowing that this final boost of support was a mile or so ahead and that there was half an hour left I had a new lease of life. I put one foot in front of the other, grinned and waved as I passed Elaine and her family, and just kept running, I passed the 25 mile marker, the 26 mile marker and suddenly I was in the finish tunnel madly searching right to left so I didn't miss my sister and boyfriend. I needed to see them, to know they were there with me.

It wasn't until I was steps from the line that I saw them - my sister shouting her lungs off and martin grinning and cheering next to her. I threw my arms in the air and was filled with a huge surge of pride, like something I had never felt before in my life. 

I was done. I had ran a friggin marathon! Thousands of steps, breaths, tears, heartbeats and 26.2 miles in 4 hours 39 minutes. I carried 32 names across the line and I'm sure that all of them were there with me. I had no doubt my mum was looking down on me with so much pride (I hope so anyway).

All I can say, is a marathon is another beast compared to any other race I've run. I had emotions I have never experienced before while running, and it's something I will never forget. People told me that it would be a few weeks before I wanted to run another, it was a few moments. I will be back marathon - you're a beast I can't wait to tackle again - and maybe next time, I can be mentally stronger and run every single step. 

Looking back now, one thing I want to say is if you want to run a marathon DO IT! I have incredible amounts of self doubt at the best of times (I'm working on it), and if I can do it - so can you. Hell or high water, if you want it enough you can do it and I will be with you every step of the way.

The fighting force that the warriors of every disease carry with them in their spirit is something we should all strive to embody. I truly believe that if people like my mum can fight a disease for 5 months, fighting for every step, every breath and every moment, any of us can run a marathon. It may be a fight, but it will be nothing compared to what many people are fighting every day behind closed doors.

This has been a long one - so thank you for reading and finally, thank you to everyone that has supported me, through donations, sharing my posts, spreading the word and getting involved.

I couldn't have done it without knowing so many people were willing me to finish.

Live strong, live happy, live free.

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

Putting Lapasa activewear through the run test - Gear Review

Firstly thanks to @theasthinkings for introducing me to Lapasa. I won a giveaway on her blog that put me in touch with the company and now I'm doing my own! Read to the end to find out how to enter :).

My pet peeve with running kit is when I buy some new gear that looks great but just doesn't pass the run test. So I've put Lapasa through the test!

Lapasa describes itself as a customer oriented athletic brand that focuses on providing comfort, premiere quality, high-tech apparel & customer satisfaction.

They kindly sent me a sports bra to review along with the yoga pants that I won in the @theasthinkings giveaway.

One thing I immediately loved is that their sports bras and leggings come in a great variety of colours:

 

I went for some full length navy leggings and a multicoloured blue/pink/purple sports bra.

First things first what are the top 5 things I look for in running gear? 

1. The kit must be completely opaque & squat proof (still opaque when squatting)

2. Wicking (sweat evaporates quickly) & Minimal sweat patches

3. Enough support (keeping the wobbly bits comfortably stable)

4. Temperature moderation (warm enough for cool runs & not too hot for warm runs)

5. How well they wash

So how did Lapasa stack up?

1. The material is just the right kind of thickness and 100% opaque. Despite this I would probably opt for seamless underwear if you don't want an underwear line.

2. I had no visible sweat patches! This is a massive positive for me. Wicking also seemed quite good - nothing out of the ordinary but standard.

3. Here I felt like Lapasa was lacking slightly on the sports bra front. Although the support wasn't awful I definitely think this is more suited to low intensity exercise as I didn't feel 100% supported even when just jogging. Not a deal killer though, just something to be weary of if you're mostly doing high intensity exercise. 

On the leggings front I really like the support they provide. They have a nice high waistband that helped support any wobbly stomach bits.

4. I've only had the chance to wear these for coldish runs but I've had no issues. I often overheat and didn't experience this at all with these and didn't feel as though they were too thin either.

5. They've been through the wash and come out fresh as a daisy with no lingering workout smells.

Sizing

I'm a size 10/12 (medium) leggings normally and I followed the Lapasa sizing charts and went for a medium that seemed to fit me quite well. I would say they were possibly on the slightly larger size than normal but nothing that would make me change my choice.

For the sports bra I chose a small, again my normal size. I have to say that I think I could have gone down a size and this might have improved the support. For a 5k run the support was fine and I was comfortable but I would have liked it to be a bit tighter.

In general I would say go for your normal size but if you're in-between sizing definitely go for the smaller of the two.

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In conclusion the Lapasa kit is definitely some of my go to run wear now - especially the leggings as the colder nights are drawing in. For the sports bra though - in future I will only use this for lower impact sports and will have to try going down a size if I want to wear this for high impact sports such as HIIT.

As part of this review Lapasa has also offered to giveaway an item from their range to one lucky person! The Lapasa range also includes capris:Lapasa Capri Leggings, tech t's: Lapasa Performance Tshirt, and seamless underwear: Lapasa Women's Seamless Briefs, in addition to a similar range for men.

To enter the giveaway follow the rafflecopter instructions at the bottom of the page. Remember to do as many things as possible to give you the best chance of winning! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you don't fancy the giveaway but want to try out Lapasa for yourself use my discount code mindfree for 10% off.

Let me know if you try them out and what you think in the comments below!

Happy running :)

Please note this post is not sponsored.

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

My 3rd 13.1 - Ealing Half Marathon review

The day started the best way it could have - smoothly. I got the tube to the recommended stop, Northfields Station, that was a supposed 10 minute walk from the event village (actually more like 5 minutes). There were no delays on the tube, I was running on time, and I got to Lammas park, the location of the start and finish, by around 8. Plenty of time before the 9am start.

The immediate atmosphere was awesome from the moment I stepped into the park. The event village was full with so many people with smiley faces, warming up in the luscious greenery of the park. It seemed really relaxed and laid back and despite my ever present nerves, the atmosphere definitely didn't make my nerves any worse. As starts go, this has to be one of my favourite locations I've had so far. There was no long walk to the start line, no rushing, and no horrendous queues for that essential pre-race I'm terrified loo stop.

There was a pre-race warm up at 8:30, but I chose to miss this for a second panicked loo stop before the event (as anxiety goes, not being able to find a toilet quick enough around any race is top of my list).

Around 8:45/ 8:50 I wandered over to the start area and slipped in to where I would normally put myself for a half, between the 1hr50 and 2hr pacers, and before I knew it we were 30 seconds from the count down to the start of the race. 

Here is where it started going down hill for me. Moments before the whistle blew I wiped my eye, and my contact decided to abandon ship, luckily I managed to get it back in in a mad panic, but not before putting it in the wrong way first. 

Pro Tip : don't risk wiping your eyes before the race - it's not worth it when your contact isn't dedicated to remaining in your eye.

Anyway, post contact near disaster, the gun went off and we were off! The support was great in the first few miles, especially the church group at around mile 1 with their loud music, cheering and happy faces.

Ealing half marathon is described as undulating and the hills seemed to start right from the beginning. Despite the hills the route is lovely and takes you around the streets and parks of Ealing with a couple of loop back sections. You can find the Strava segment here.

Ealing Half Marathon Route

Ealing Half Marathon elevation profile

For the first 5 miles or so, before I was over taken by a guy pushing his child and running in flip flops (yes you read that right - running in FLIP FLOPS), I was doing OK. Not my normal pace, but OK. After mile 5, I was over taken by the 2 hour pacers, the hills got the better of me, and I really started to struggle with the combination of hills and hotter weather than I was hoping for (it was around 19/20 degrees). Even so, I kept going and pushed through.

One thing I didn't know about ealing is that it is beautiful - we went through a couple of local parks on the route and for me they were a definite pick me up. At around 15km we passed through a park and then had about a 1km section where we rejoined an earlier part of the route. Normally I don't like loop backs, but there was something about seeing such a vast quantity of runners (there was around 7000 entrants) that really gave me a boost. I had been mentally struggling to keep going but after this section I knew I was going to make it. 

Despite the struggle, I felt the entire way around that I was in it together with the other runners, sure people over took me, but there were also other people struggling, and I felt as though we were at least in it together. This is not something I always feel in races and really appreciated it.

The final 3 miles were mostly flat/ decline and this was a life saver. At around 18km we passed the awesome drumming church group for the second time who gave me a shout out and gave me the last boost I needed.

1km from the finish you enter Lammas park for a final lap of the park to the finish. Normally this last km is hellish, but I'm so glad to say that the immense support along the entire loop in the park made it fly by quicker than any last km in the past. I loved it and had an amazing sense of relief as I crossed that finish line knowing I'd just completed my 3rd half marathon.

Yes - I was slower than ever before. Yes - I even walked a bit (for the first time ever). But most importantly, Yes - I had finished and I was proud. 

Highlights: Orange slices being handed out along route, the numerous seamless water stops (with small perfect sized bottles), all of the locals standing outside their homes to cheer us on, the scenery, 'eye of the tiger' being blasted outside someones house, the enthusiastic church group, a great medal (coming from someone who isn't a massive medal fan this is a big deal!).. and the list goes on. 

What you get for entry: number in the post (my preference), water stops, chip timing, medal & water at the finish.

It's worth noting that yes this is described as an undulating marathon and lives up to it, but, had it been any other time I wouldn't have struggled so much on the hills. They're definitely not as bad as they sound - it was just a bad race for me. 

Hopefully next year I'll come back & show those hills what I'm really capable of! Until then - thanks Ealing Half Marathon CIC - you were awesome. 

Entries are now open for 2018 : enter here.

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

10 things running has shown me you might not expect

I haven't blogged in a while but recently I've been reflecting a lot on how running has changed me, my life and my outlook. I think sometimes people just concentrate on the fact that they don't want to have to exercise because all they see is the effort you have to put in, and believe me, that bit doesn't get any easier. So I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on my own journey and a few things that running showed me that people may not be thinking about when they're struggling to motivate themselves to start, and that in the end, make all the struggle and effort worth every ounce.

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1. I left the house without make up for the first time since I was around 13 when I was told people don't wear make up to a Tough Mudder and didn't want to look weird.. and now I've learnt not to care so much and do so regularly. Running also encouraged me to wear shorts (because I didn't want to melt) and I have worn them for the first time since I was made to for sports class in school (my legs it turns out aren't quite as trunk like as I thought)

2. You just look happy when you smile with your teeth (not hideous) so grin and bare them :)

3. I am capable of being fully independent and can brave massive crowds of people at races by myself - while still smiling

4. I gained the confidence to meet new people for the first time in years

5. There's a big difference between needing to stop and wanting to stop (the former is rare), when I acknowledge that during runs and keep going I feel strong, capable and in control, and that's exactly what I am (even if I feel like a phoney saying it now)

6. I don't love what my body looks like - but I'm learning to love what I'm discovering it's capable of for the first time in my life - while still working on the first part :)

7. I'm 100% not competitive

8. I can overcome fear - and run full pelt ahead straight into & through it,
it does not have to control me

9. You can choose to make yourself happier - just go for a run and 99% of the time it works

10. I am not alone

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That last one is a big thing for me. When we're struggling and feeling a bit lost in any part of our lives, at least for me, there is always a feeling that I am alone. Realising you're not and there's always someone there with you, maybe even running for the same reasons, is liberating. It makes it feel that it's OK to not feel OK, because you're one of many people just trying to get through something, through running. The running community is an amazing thing to be part of. No one cares what your job is, how much money you earn, what music you like or who your friends are. You are a runner and that's all that matters.

My favourite moments running to date has to have been when I have ran with people without any goals in mind but to run. Be a part of a group and soak in the atmosphere of a collection of people gathered together to all do something so inherently natural without any other goals at the end but to enjoy living in that moment and finish the run.

Running provides such an amazing clarity of mind that I've never achieved anywhere else, where I can forget my day, the problems in the world, the anxieties in my head and everything that makes me sad, just run and clear my mind of everything. 

My heart hammers in my chest, my feet hit the ground and my mind is calm.

A clarity that alone is worth every ounce of effort.

All the 10 above are just an incredible bonus.

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

#try20 challenge weeks 3-5

So it's June which means National Walking Month is over for another year along with the May #try20 challenge. 

Along with thesis writing making sure I stuck to the challenge has been just that, a challenge, and I'm going to be entirely honest when I say I missed a day during the 3rd week.

To me that isn't a failure though. 

Only not walking for 20 mins on one day in a month? That's no failure. To be fair on myself I had just done a Rough Runner event the day before and covered 15km and many many obstacles and my body was in some serious pain (if you've never done an obstacle course race you would not believe how much of your body can hurt all at once without you realising the strain at the time). So considering that was the only day I didn't manage to get out I'm so pleased I managed to keep it up.

If you've read the past posts about the #try20 challenge (Taking on the #try20 summer challenge,#try20 challenge week 1,#try20 challenge week 2) you will know each week I tried a different way of making sure I got my walks in and to make it a bit more interesting.

So here is what was on the cards for weeks 3-5:

Week 3 (15-21st May)   :

Tip #19 - Power Walk! 

Week 4 (22-28th May)   :

Tip #13 - Lunch Alfresco not Aldesko

Week 5 (29-31st May)    

Tip #6 - Take the Long cut & discover new places.

My favourite of these had to be taking the long cut. Beautiful places are everywhere and I love finding new places that make me feel calm that I've never experienced before. It makes me feel so much happier knowing that hidden behind so many concrete streets are patches of green, where nature is still taking over and holding back the endless concrete miles.

Lunch alfresco is also always lovely, but unfortunately not something that's always possible with the incredibly changeable british weather. Making the effort to get outside on the rare sunny days though is really worth every ounce of effort allowing you to ground yourself a bit more than sitting at your desk or in the office cafeteria.

All in all I'm so glad that I took part in the #try20 challenge and made the extra effort for some time in the fresh air, and in all honesty, just taking an extra 20 minutes for myself without the constant distraction of modern technology.

May may be over along with the #try20 summer challenge but I for one will be trying my best to get out and get those 20 minutes of peace from the hectic fast paced life that modern life has become.

Did you take on the #try20 challenge?

I would love to hear how you found it in the comments below & if you have any tips that helped to get you out on the tougher days.

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourrmindfree

#try20 challenge week 2

It's the end of the second week of may,  the second week of National Walking Month and
the end of week 2 of the #try20 challenge!

My second week of the #try20 challenge went like this:

Monday - 20 minute lunch wander (gentle)

Tuesday - 20 minute lunch walk & 20 min run

Wednesday - 30 min walk to running track & 40 min track session

Thursday - 20 min walk to shops

Friday - another 20 min walk to shops

Saturday - 15km Rough Runner Obstacle Course Race (lots of walking, running & 20 obstacles)

Sunday - 30 min afternoon walk

This week seemed harder than the first when it came to making myself get out. I don't know whether it's because it's getting to the middle of the challenge or because it's just been a down week for me, which isn't uncommon, but I still managed to get out - and I'm proud of that.

Ending my week with an awesome time at Rough Runner with friends on Saturday definitely has left my week ending on a high (even if my entire body hurts today).

Conclusion : Week 2 was another success. 

My Week 2 challenge was to include some 'mindful meander' walks and get involved with Mental Health Awareness Week. So during some of my walks I tried to think about the positive things in my life right now & tried to soak in the beautiful scenery and truly appreciate the world around me.

For #MentalHealthAwareness week I was also asked to be part of a blog tour for the book 'Loving the Life Less Lived' a raw account of one woman's struggle with severe anxiety and depression and how acceptance changed her life. A Q&A with the author Gail Mitchell as well as a short review are here - take a look :)!

If you want to see what challenges I'm taking on in the next few weeks check out my first #try20 post and you can catch up on week 1 here.

Are you doing the challenge?

If so how did you get on and how are you making sure that you get the time in?

Comment below and let me know - I would love to hear from you.

If you want to get involved why not start walking everyday from now?

You could still make the rest of may or if you want to take on a full month just carry the days you missed over into next month! No excuses :)!

Bring on week 3!

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

#try20 challenge week 1

It's hard to believe we're already a week into May & National Walking Month! 

Where does the time go?! 

So how's the first week of the #try20 challenge gone and how am I feeling about it?

My Week :

Monday - true to the challenge 20min evening walk

Tuesday - 30 min evening walk

Wednesday - walked 30 min to work (+ 20 min run before work)

Thursday - 30 min walk from work to the station

Friday - 30 min evening walk (+ 30 min after work run)

Saturday - walked around town & got a lot of errands done

Sunday - Ran a Half marathon & walked home (55 min)

So I'm pleased to say I managed to keep up with the challenge! I also didn't take my runs as the 20 minute walks for this week. Running and walking for me have a completely different feeling (physically and mentally), and so I wanted to stay true to the challenge (at least for this week).

How has it made me feel?

The things I've enjoyed most about this is getting outside & getting fresh air every single day of the week. I never normally do this and it really helps me unwind, even if only briefly, while I'm out walking.

One thing I really liked too which I guess I wasn't really expecting was that nearly every walk I went on there was some people that said hello in passing. I really like it when this happens, as it really doesn't happen all the time. Sometimes I smile and say good morning/afternoon and get no response or even looks of slight disgust. I get it that I'm a stranger, but what happened to saying a friendly hello to your neighbours?! So anyway, I loved that there was a few friendly hellos thrown in and it made me feel a bit lighter and uplifted.

Conclusion : Week 1 was a success! 

My Week 1 challenge was get snappy this weekend - so here is my compulsory half marathon pic from this weekend :D! 

If you want to see what challenges I'm taking on in the next few weeks check out my last post :)!

Are you doing the challenge?

If so how did you get on and how are you making sure that you get the time in?

Comment below and let me know - I would love to hear from you.

If you want to get involved why not start walking everyday from now?

You could still make the rest of may or if you want to take on a full month just carry the days you missed over into next month! No excuses :)!

Bring on week 2!

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

Taking on the #try20 summer challenge

I'm taking on the #try20 summer challenge organised by the charity Living Streets.

So what's the challenge?

It's simple.

Add 20 minutes of walking to your everyday for the month of May.

Why May? 

It's National Walking Month - the best time to start.

This may sound like a simple task, and the important thing to remember is that it can be & I believe it can be hugely beneficial for both your general and mental health.

I'm relatively active as a person but as many of us are it's not consistently on a daily basis.

I normally run 2 to 4 days a week but on the other days, sometimes when I'm working from home I don't leave the house and in all honesty I can get a bit stir crazy. 

I think most of us have at least one day that we don't move much - maybe for you it's your Pyjama sunday, or maybe that's your normal work day. You drive to work, you sit at your desk, you drive home and then you relax on the sofa.

I'm not saying this is a bad way to live but just getting 20 minutes of walking in, either to work, at lunch, or any time you feel you can could make a big difference to your life.

Getting outdoors and active always helps me relax and reconnect and I'm always happier after I make the effort.
Even on those days when I don't want to, or I'm finding it difficult to leave the house, I always feel better when I do.

So I'm taking on the challenge to try and add 20 minutes of walking a day to my EVERYDAY routine, and I'm dedicated to it!

I'll be posting weekly updates about how I got the twenty minutes in everyday, how it's making me feel & any thoughts I have along the way.

To keep myself motivated through the month I'm going to be taking some #try20 tips from Living Streets and trying a different one for each week of the month. 

Here's my plan for the month:

Week 1 (1-7th May)      :

Tip #5 - Get Snappy Happy this weekend

Week 2 (8-14th May)     : 

Tip #15 - As it's going mental health awareness week - A Mindful meander.

Week 3 (15-21st May)   :

Tip #19 - Power Walk! 

Week 4 (22-28th May)   :

Tip #13 - Lunch Alfresco not Aldesko

Week 5 (29-31st May)    

Tip #6 - Take the Long cut & discover new places.

Get involved and take the #try20 challenge yourself! 

You won't regret it.

To keep you motivated why not rope a friend in and get them to take on the challenge with you.
I've teamed up with theasthinkings so that we can keep each other on track.
Head over to her post to see what challenges she's decided to take on for week 1!

I can't wait to start on 1st May! 

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

Stepping on to the track

Since I moved just over a year ago I wanted to join the local running club. For the last year I've been living in one place with my partner and working in another (a 3 hour commute away). I don't work here so the only people that I know that live here are my partners work colleagues and some of their partners. Until a couple of weeks ago I I've literally met no one. I don't have children so I haven't met people through other parents, I don't work here so I haven't met local colleagues. I've literally made no friends. 

Don't get me wrong I don't want sympathy, it's just the truth. I know no one here. Luckily my partner is my best friend and sometimes we both almost feel as if we don't really need anyone else because we have each other. But deep down I know that it's healthy to have friendships outside of your relationships and to socialise, even if I am slightly inept when I try. 

My first attempt at meeting people was around a year ago, when I tried my local parkrun. I thought it would be a good way to meet people and maybe my partner would come too. The trouble is I turned up that first time (to this date I've only been twice), and there was just so many people! On average there is around 200-300 people at my local parkrun. So I turned up and everyone already had their groups and their friends. So both times I went I just ran around the course and then left. I just didn't know what to say. 

I know parkrun is supposed to be a friendly local thing, but having to interrupt one of the already established groups of friends just seemed strange. I was pretty sure I would just come across as rude or weird as I'm not the great at sounding casual at the best of times. I probably would have come out with something a bit unusual to ask, or something deadly obvious, that clearly I didn't really need to ask.

(Disclaimer: Don't get me wrong I think parkrun is great, and I encourage everyone to give it a go - just if you're going to make friends maybe it's not ideal for everyone.

So long and short. I've lived here for over a year, and I don't know anyone.

That is until a couple of weeks ago. I finally made the decision to send a message via facebook to the local running club and ask what would be the best day for me to come and join in a session. I nearly didn't go, but I arranged it all and when it came to it I just made myself leave the house, and as always, that was the one thing that once I'm out, I can't turn back. To me it takes more willpower to give up once I've set my mind on something than if I just don't attempt it in the first place.

It was recommended I went to the local track session as it's one of the main club nights. One of my goals of joining a club is that I want to get faster, and to me that means track is probably going to be the best thing for me. Having structured training rather than me trying some random speed intervals myself I have no doubt will be a great benefit, so this sounded perfect.

So my first track session was on the 27th April at 7pm for around an hour, and I'm so glad I went. I'm not going to lie that first day I spoke to two people for around 10 seconds, and that's the best I did. It was awkward, I don't even remember their names (not because they weren't nice people, it's just that my memory tends to suffer a lot when I'm anxious) and they haven't tried to speak to me since, so I didn't do too great that first day socially.

Just 2 weeks on though and I've now been to two road runs & another track session and I'm speaking to more and more people each time I turn up. Sure I'm not doing great at the conversation yet, but a few people already know my name & say hi! Progress, and for me a giant leap into social situations that make me terrified, but also elated, knowing I'm getting there. 

Here's to new acquaintances, great training and a great deal of running.

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Until next time - always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

My 1st 13.1 - Reading Half Marathon Review

I did it! I ran a half marathon, and guess what?

I loved it.

If you read my previous post you will have seen how anxious I was pre-race day.

I was apprehensive, lacking self belief, and kind of dreading it.

The event itself however was just incredible.

Luckily my biggest worry was getting there and once that part was ticked off I was able to relax & soak up the atmosphere pre-race.

(Note: this did mean I was at the race village over an hour earlier than I needed, but if that meant I could relax, what's the harm? Better safe than sorry.)

We parked in Reading centre at the Queens Road NCP car park (£6 for the entire day), arriving at around 7:15, and then walked the ~8mins to Reading Station where there was shuttles already waiting for us.

We jumped straight on the bus and we were dropped at the Madejski Stadium next to the race village in less than 20 mins.
As we were so early we decided to sit in the stadium and watch the runners of the Green Park challenge run in and then at around 9 we started walking over to the start line. I recommend going to the bathroom in the stadium before you head over as the queues for the loos near the start line were HUGE.

Note: the start line was ~ 25 min walk from the race village so I really wouldn't recommend coming in last minute as the race set of bang on time.

Sign posting was clear to the start line and I just followed the flow of people. The race was separated into colour pens depending on expected finish time. I headed for my allocated pen (green - sub 02:00:00) where I left my partner and beelined straight for the 1:55 pacer. Spectators can follow around the outside of the actual start line pens but are separated at this stage.

10 minutes or so before the race started there was a warm up which I could hear over the speakers but I was too far back to see anything. Even so me and some of the surrounding people tried to keep up and join in. The wheelchair race was set of at 10:00, the elite runners at 10:15 and the remaining pens let off in waves of relatively quick succession. I was in the 6th wave and set out at 10:28.

The first couple of miles near the race village was packed with spectators and it was great to have so many people there to get you off to a good start. My aim was to stay with the 1:55 pacer but after a little while I decided I wanted to just ran at my natural pace so ran ahead slightly and just tried to settle into the run.

The course was completely closed to traffic, taking you firstly through green park followed by an industrial park and then through some residential areas where there is a considerable climb between 2 and 4km. The race then takes you through a section of the Reading University Campus. From here you head into the centre of the city where the crowds explode & the energy increases 10 fold. You hit the heart of the city around half way around (6 or 7 miles) and this is a great boost mid race.
Coming out of the centre you hit your second incline - although smaller than the first, due to the position in the run around mile 8, this hill feels pretty substantial. From there on out though you're in for steady sailing home passing through some more residential areas before turning on to the final straight stretch back with a view of the Madejski Stadium at the end of the road.

Reading Half Route - You can see the Strava segment here.

Reading Half elevation profile

I have to be honest that that final stretch for me was one of the harder parts of the race - it lasts about 3k where you're just staring at the Stadium which gives you the 'so close but so far' kind of feeling.
Despite that it was perfectly flat which was good & meant you could power down that last stretch with your goal insight (if you've got any energy left at this stage).

The stadium finish was just incredible.

 I managed to pick up the pace coming in and I don't know whether it was the adrenaline, the crowd or maybe I just had enough energy left in me but I felt so strong! The sprint felt natural and was a truly amazing feeling running across that line with the cheering crowds knowing I'd ran a half marathon, enjoyed it, and wasn't in the slightest bit broken.

One thing I definitely have to say about this race is that the support & entertainment along the route was amazing and definitely kept my spirits high the entire way around.
For me the highlights were the live music groups including the drumming group in Reading centre in the underpass (which I clapped as I ran past which may have gained me a couple of strange glances from fellow runners & spectators), the incredibly loud tunes coming from the Reading Family Church group and the random shop owner handing out clementines around mile 7.

Thanks to the many shout outs of 'come on Gen!' especially to the woman at miles 6 with a 'looking really strong Gen!' and the woman at mile 9 while I was having a gel with the 'YES! YOU EAT THAT GEN!', you gave me a couple of extra boosts I really appreciated.
Also an extra thanks to the woman who was chatting to their friend on the second & last hill saying it was all downhill from there - I had NO idea of the race profile and felt a massive mental boost knowing that all I had to do is power up that last hill & the half was in the bag.

Fuelling wise I would definitely recommend taking your own gels or whatever your booster of choice is. There were ample water stops (3,5,6,9 & 12mi) with the addition of bottles of Lucozade at 5 & 9 miles and although I did take the Lucozade and appreciated them I just couldn't take much on due to the amount of liquid and not wanting to have to take a toilet break. If Lucozade/ energy drinks are your usual choice then this will be great for you but for me I felt like having the lucozade was bordering on too much liquid & not enough energy.

All in all Reading Half Marathon is an amazing race.
The support throughout was incredible, from the constant cheering, Jelly babies galore, people handing out extra water, a beer stop on the last hill (for those inclined) the organisation and the stadium finale everything was smooth from start to finish and an all round pleasure to be a part of.

I loved my first half coming in at a respectable 1:54:12 and placing 690/3596 women and 3927/9720 overall.
I will most definitely be back for more next year
& I can't wait for round 2! :)

I hope this review was helpful for someone and please come back for more :).

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Always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree

Me & pre race anxiety

So I've got my first half marathon in two days.. seeing this on the website of the race.. not terrifying at all!

Ok so as of right now I have 2 days & a lot of pre race fear ahead of me. 

I planned to keep myself busy this weekend anyway - tomorrow is a hard day. It's my mums birthday who is no longer here to celebrate it, and that sucks.

So this weekend is a good weekend to distract myself anyway.. I say that but I've been trying to 'distract' myself all week keeping busy with work etc. but my mind hasn't really stopped.

I'm dreading Saturday, I'm dreading Sunday, but in a way the thoughts from Saturday will get me through Sunday. 

My mum fought with restricted lungs (Mesothelioma) for a whole 5 MONTHS when she had originally been given 2 WEEKS. So I'm pretty sure I can run a half marathon with my 100% functioning lungs for just 2 hours. She'll be with me & I WILL get through it.

Again I say that..
but I'm still scared. 

I'm running solo and so I keep thinking I can maybe try chat to someone on the way to keep me motivated, make a friend, but small talk is definitely not on my list of talents.

(Awkward 'aha!' laughs however, not too brag, but I've got that DOWN!)

Anyway so I have no one there to motivate me, it's just me & my feet.

So apart from motivation what else am I actually anxious about?

(Disclaimer even writing this down is making me sweaty!)

#1 - Getting there. This is stressing me out so much - I planned to get the train and now there's diversions and my partner has offered to drive me instead (I'm now aiming to get there HOURS early.. that guy deserves a medal to be coming with me! (thank you) ).

#2 - I can't do it.

#3 - I'll be slow.

#4 - People I know will think I was slow (that's ok but I can't help taking most things personally).

#5 - I'll look awful.

#6 - I'll be super sweaty (hoping people don't wiff me on the run).

#7 - There will be SO MANY PEOPLE (I'm really not good with close proximity).

#8 - They've got Lucozade at the energy stops - I haven't ever had this on a run.

#9 - Am I going to get bowel issues?! I never have but that could add minutes on to my time and we're on the clock people! 

#10 - Will the queues for the loo before hand be huge?

#11 - Will I find my partner after the run?

#12 - It's not a flat course - are the hills comparable to my normal ones?

...

and the list goes on.

I'm an over thinker so I know this isn't necessarily normal - but I imagine more people have these fears than they make out.

Despite all this I'm still excited (I think) and I can't wait for my wave to start off (maybe) but either way I WILL run it and I WILL be OK and I WILL finish.

It's OK to be scared.

You're not alone.

You can do this.

Run.

(Pre-race mantra!)

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Always remember, that sometimes, freedom is only a run away.

#runyourmindfree